U.S. patent application number 13/738363 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-18 for center conductor engagement mechanism.
This patent application is currently assigned to John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc.. Invention is credited to NOAH MONTENA, CHRISTOPHER P. NATOLI, ADAM T. NUGENT, WERNER K. WILD.
Application Number | 20130183856 13/738363 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48780276 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130183856 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WILD; WERNER K. ; et
al. |
July 18, 2013 |
CENTER CONDUCTOR ENGAGEMENT MECHANISM
Abstract
A center conductor engagement member comprising a resilient
contact region having a first end and a second end, the resilient
contact region being substantially curvilinear from the first end
to the second end, wherein the second end of the resilient contact
region is secured by a body portion, and an insert engageable with
the second end of the resilient contact region to retain the second
end of the resilient contact region is provided. Furthermore, an
associated method is also provided.
Inventors: |
WILD; WERNER K.;
(Buttenwiesen, DE) ; MONTENA; NOAH; (Syracuse,
NY) ; NATOLI; CHRISTOPHER P.; (Fulton, NY) ;
NUGENT; ADAM T.; (Canastota, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc.; |
East Syracuse |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
John Mezzalingua Associates,
Inc.
East Syracuse
NY
|
Family ID: |
48780276 |
Appl. No.: |
13/738363 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61585871 |
Jan 12, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
439/578 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 24/566 20130101;
H01R 24/38 20130101; H01R 9/0521 20130101; H01R 24/564
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/578 |
International
Class: |
H01R 24/38 20060101
H01R024/38 |
Claims
1. A center conductor engagement member comprising: a resilient
contact region having a first end and a second end, the resilient
contact region being substantially curvilinear from the first end
to the second end, wherein the second end of the resilient contact
region is secured by a body portion; and an insert engageable with
the second end of the resilient contact region to retain the second
end of the resilient contact region.
2. The center conductor seizing member of claim 1, wherein the
resilient contact region includes a plurality of resilient contact
fingers.
3. The center conductor seizing member of claim 2, wherein the
insert includes an annular groove configured to accept an internal
annular protrusion located on an inner surface of the resilient
contact fingers.
4. The center conductor seizing member of claim 1, wherein the
insert ensures adequate contact force between a hollow center
conductor and the resilient contact region.
5. The center conductor seizing member of claim 1, further
including an external contact interface at an end distal to the
resilient contact region.
6. The center conductor seizing member of claim 5, wherein the body
portion connects the resilient contact region and the external
contact interface.
7. The center conductor engagement member of claim 1, wherein the
insert is comprised of at least one of a conductive and
non-conductive material.
8. The center conductor engagement member of claim 3, further
including an elastomeric band placed within the annular groove of
the insert to adjust a stiffness of the resilient contact
region.
9. The center conductor engagement member of claim 7, wherein a
coaxial cable connector having the center conductor engagement
member achieves an intermodulation level below -155 dBc and return
loss below -45 dB
10. A center conductor engagement member comprising: a resilient
contact region having one or more axial through-slots defining one
or more resilient contact fingers, the one or more resilient
contact fingers configured to compress when surrounded by a center
conductor of a coaxial cable, wherein a largest radial outer
diameter of the resilient contact region occurs at a vertex of a
curve of the resilient contact region; an insert, the insert being
a generally annular member having an internal groove, wherein the
internal groove cooperates with a protrusion on an end of the one
or more resilient contact fingers to resist movement of the one or
more resilient contact fingers in a radial direction that results
in a less than adequate return contact force against an inner
surface of the center conductor.
11. The center conductor engagement member of claim 10, wherein the
insert is comprised of at least one of a conductive and
non-conductive material.
12. The center conductor engagement member of claim 10, wherein the
insert is a plastic ring.
13. The center conductor engagement member of claim 10, further
including an elastomeric band placed within the annular groove of
the insert to adjust a stiffness of the resilient contact
region.
14. The center conductor engagement member of claim 10, wherein a
coaxial cable connector having the center conductor engagement
member achieves an intermodulation level below -155 dBc and return
loss below -45 dB.
15. A compression coaxial cable connector comprising: a center
conductor engagement member disposed within the connector, the
center conductor engagement member comprising a resilient contact
region and an insert; wherein the coaxial cable connector achieves
an intermodulation level below -155 dBc and return loss below -45
dB.
16. A method of engaging a center conductor of a coaxial cable
comprising: disposing a center conductor engagement member within a
coaxial cable connector, wherein the center conductor engagement
member includes: a resilient contact region having a first end and
a second end, the resilient contact region being substantially
curvilinear from the first end to the second end, wherein the
second end of the resilient contact region is secured by a body
portion, and an insert engageable with the second end of the
resilient contact region to retain the second end of the resilient
contact region; and mating a center conductor of a coaxial cable
with the center conductor engagement member, wherein the center
conductor engagement member is configured to be inserted within the
center conductor.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the resilient contact region
includes a plurality of resilient contact fingers.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the insert includes an annular
groove configured to accept an internal annular protrusion located
on an inner surface of the resilient contact fingers.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the insert ensures adequate
contact force between a hollow center conductor and the resilient
contact region.
20. The method of claim 16, further including an external contact
interface at an end distal to the resilient contact region.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/585,871 filed Jan. 12, 2012, and entitled
"CENTER CONDUCTOR ENGAGEMENT MECHANISM."
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
[0002] The following relates to coaxial cable connectors, and more
specifically to embodiments of a center conductor engagement
mechanism.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Coaxial cable is used to transmit radio frequency (RF)
signals in various applications, such as connecting radio
transmitters and receivers with their antennas, computer network
connections, and distributing cable television signals. Coaxial
cable typically includes a hollow center conductor, an insulating
layer surrounding the center conductor, an outer conductor
surrounding the insulating layer, and a protective jacket
surrounding the outer conductor. A coaxial cable is typically
attached to a prepared end of the coaxial cable to connect onto
complementary interface ports, such as those on cellular towers and
other broadband equipment. One of the difficulties of
field-installable coaxial cable connectors, such as compression
connectors or screw-together connectors, is maintaining acceptable
levels of passive intermodulation (PIM) and return loss. PIM and
return loss in the terminal sections of a coaxial cable can result
from nonlinear and insecure contact between surfaces of various
components of the connector. A nonlinear contact between two or
more of these surfaces can cause micro arcing or corona discharge
between the surfaces, which can result in the creation of
interfering RF signals. Where the coaxial cable is employed on a
cellular communications tower, for example, unacceptably high
levels of PIM in terminal sections of the coaxial cable and
resulting interfering RF signals can disrupt communication between
sensitive receiver and transmitter equipment on the tower and
lower-powered cellular devices. Disrupted communication can result
in dropped calls or severely limited data rates, for example, which
can result in dissatisfied customers and customer churn.
Accordingly, engaging the hollow center conductor of the coaxial
cable when a coaxial cable is attached to a connector is critical
for desirable PIM results. The contact between a hollow center
conductor and the receptive clamp engages the center conductor to
provide a contact force therebetween. The result of poor engaging
and/or seizing of the hollow center conductor leads to equally poor
contact force between the center conductor and the clamp of the
connector.
[0004] Thus, a need exists for an apparatus and method for a center
conductor engagement mechanism that ensures an adequate contact
force between a center conductor of a coaxial cable and a clamp of
a coaxial cable connector.
SUMMARY
[0005] A first general aspect relates to a center conductor
engagement member comprising a resilient contact region having a
first end and a second end, the resilient contact region being
substantially curvilinear from the first end to the second end,
wherein the second end of the resilient contact region is secured
by a body portion, and an insert engageable with the second end of
the resilient contact region to retain the second end of the
resilient contact region.
[0006] A second general aspect relates to a center conductor
engagement member comprising a resilient contact region having one
or more axial through-slots defining one or more resilient contact
fingers, the one or more resilient contact fingers configured to
compress when surrounded by a center conductor of a coaxial cable,
wherein a largest radial outer diameter of the resilient contact
region occurs at a vertex of a curve of the resilient contact
region, an insert, the insert being a generally annular member
having an internal groove, wherein the internal groove cooperates
with a protrusion on an end of the one or more resilient contact
fingers to resist movement of the one or more resilient contact
fingers in a radial direction that results in a less than adequate
return contact force against an inner surface of the center
conductor.
[0007] A third general aspect relates to a coaxial cable connector
comprising a center conductor engagement member disposed within the
connector, the center conductor engagement member comprising a
resilient contact region and an insert, wherein the coaxial cable
connector achieves an intermodulation level below -155 dBc and
return loss below -45 dB.
[0008] A fourth general aspect relates to a method of engaging a
center conductor of a coaxial cable comprising disposing a center
conductor engagement member within a coaxial cable connector,
wherein the center conductor engagement member includes: a
resilient contact region having a first end and a second end, the
resilient contact region being substantially curvilinear from the
first end to the second end, wherein the second end of the
resilient contact region is secured by a body portion, and an
insert engageable with the second end of the resilient contact
region to retain the second end of the resilient contact region,
and mating a center conductor of a coaxial cable with the center
conductor engagement member, wherein the center conductor
engagement member is configured to be inserted within the center
conductor.
[0009] The foregoing and other features of construction and
operation will be more readily understood and fully appreciated
from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with
reference to the following figures, wherein like designations
denote like members, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a
center conductor engagement member disposed within a first
embodiment of a coaxial cable connector;
[0012] FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a
center conductor engagement member disposed within a second
embodiment of a coaxial cable connector;
[0013] FIG. 3A depicts an exploded view of the first embodiment of
the coaxial cable connector having an embodiment of the center
conductor engagement member;
[0014] FIG. 3B depicts an exploded view of the second embodiments
of the coaxial cable connector having an embodiment of the center
conductor engagement member;
[0015] FIG. 4A depicts a perspective view of a first embodiment of
a coaxial cable;
[0016] FIG. 4B depicts a perspective view of a second embodiment of
the coaxial cable;
[0017] FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of
the center conductor engagement member disposed within an
embodiment of the connector, in a second, closed position;
[0018] FIG. 6 depicts a graph displaying data and test results
regarding PIM performance of the first and second embodiments of
the coaxial cable connector including an embodiment of the center
conductor engagement member; and
[0019] FIG. 7 depicts a graph displaying data and test results
regarding return loss performance of the first and second
embodiments of the coaxial cable connector including an embodiment
of the center conductor engagement member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] A detailed description of the hereinafter described
embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented
herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference
to the Figures. Although certain embodiments are shown and
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes
and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of
the appended claims. The scope of the present disclosure will in no
way be limited to the number of constituting components, the
materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement
thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0021] As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted
that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents, unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0022] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a
center conductor engagement member 200 disposed within a coaxial
cable connector 100, wherein the center conductor engagement member
200 is configured to mate, accept, engage, seize, etc, a hollow
center conductor 18 of a coaxial cable 10. Embodiments of the
center conductor engagement member 200 may be a conductive element
that may extend or carry an electrical current and/or signal from a
first point to a second point. For instance, the center conductor
engagement member 200 may be a contact, a terminal, a pin, a
conductor, an electrical contact, a curved contact, a bended
contact, an angled contact, and the like. In one embodiment, the
center conductor engagement member 200 may be a contact for a 50
Ohm DIN female, 15/8''. In another embodiment, the center conductor
engagement member 200 may be a contact for a 50 Ohm DIN male,
15/8''. Embodiments of the center conductor engagement member 200
may include a first end 201, a second end 202, an inner surface
203, and an outer surface 204. Embodiments of the center conductor
engagement member 200 may further include a resilient contact
region 240 proximate or otherwise near the first end 201, an
external contact interface 260 proximate or otherwise near the
second end 202, and a body portion 230 integrally connecting the
resilient contact region 240 and the external contact interface
260. The external contact interface 260 may be a socket, a female
contact, a male pin, or other physical device for establishing a
physical and electrical connection with another coaxial cable
connection, a splice connector, electronic device, and the like,
and may be slotted. However, embodiments of the second end 202 may
not include an external conductive interface 260 that can operate
as a socket, but rather the second end 202 may include a pin-like
end for use with a male type connector, as shown in FIG. 2.
Furthermore, embodiments of the center conductor engagement member
200 should be formed of conductive materials; however, one or more
of the components comprising the center conductor engagement member
200 may not be conductive, such as an insert 250, as described in
greater detail infra.
[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, embodiments of connector
100, which may house the center conductor engagement member 200,
may be a straight connector, a right angle connector, an angled
connector, an elbow connector, a DIN male or DIN female connector,
or any complimentary connector that may receive a center conductor
18 of a coaxial cable. For example, connector 100 may be a coaxial
cable connector used for terminating coaxial cable, such as 50 Ohm
cable. Further embodiments of connector 100 may receive a center
conductor 18 of a coaxial cable 10, wherein the coaxial cable 10
includes a spiral, corrugated, annular ribbed, smooth wall, or
otherwise exposed outer conductor 14. Moreover, embodiments of
connector 100 can be a compression connector configured to be
axially compressed (via an axial compression tool) into a
compressed position of engagement with the cable 10. Embodiments of
connector 100 may include a coupling member (not shown), a
connector body 20, an insulator 50, a clamp 70, a flanged bushing
80, and an annular seal 90. The connector body 20 may comprise one,
single component, or may be comprised of more than one component.
The connector body 20 may house the center conductor engagement
member 200, as well as the clamp 70, the annular seal 90, the
flanged bushing 80, the insulator 50, and a coupling portion 30.
Embodiments of the clamp 70 may be configured to clamp and/or seize
the cable 10, including the outer conductor 14 and/or the cable
jacket 12, as the connector 100 is initially attached to a prepared
end of the cable 10. Embodiments of the annular seal 90 may be
configured to compressibly deform upon axial compression to form an
annular seal at a back end of the connector 100. Embodiments of the
insulator 50 may electrically isolate the center conductor
engagement member 200 and the outer conductor 14 and any component
in conductive communication with the outer conductor 14. The
insulator 50, which may be press fit within the connector body 20
may retain the center conductor engagement member 200 within the
connector 100. Embodiments of the coupling portion 30 may be
configured to physically mate or threadably engage a port, such an
equipment port on a cell tower or other broadband equipment, or
another coaxial cable connector. The coupling portion 30 may
include a threaded exterior surface, such as shown in FIG. 3A, or
may include a rotatable coupler that may include a threaded inner
surface, such as shown in FIG. 3B. Those skilled in the art should
appreciate that various structural configurations may be employed
to retain the center conductor engagement member 200 within the
connector 100, and that various connector components can be added,
removed, or swapped from connector 100 as described herein.
[0024] The connector 100 may also be provided to a user in a
preassembled configuration to ease handling and installation during
use. Two connectors, such as connector 100 may be utilized to
create a jumper that may be packaged and sold to a consumer. A
jumper may be a coaxial cable 10 having a connector, such as
connector 100, operably affixed at one end of the cable 10 where
the cable 10 has been prepared, and another connector, such as
connector 100, operably affixed at the other prepared end of the
cable 10. Operably affixed to a prepared end of a cable 10 with
respect to a jumper includes both an uncompressed/open position and
a compressed/closed position of the connector while affixed to the
cable. For example, embodiments of a jumper may include a first
connector including components/features described in association
with connector 100, and a second connector that may also include
the components/features as described in association with connector
100, wherein the first connector is operably affixed to a first end
of a coaxial cable 10, and the second connector is operably affixed
to a second end of the coaxial cable 10. Embodiments of a jumper
may include other components, such as one or more signal boosters,
molded repeaters, and the like.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, embodiments of a coaxial cable
10 may be securely attached to a coaxial cable connector. The
coaxial cable 10 may include a center conductor 18, such as a
strand of conductive metallic material, surrounded by an interior
dielectric 16; the interior dielectric 16 may possibly be
surrounded by an outer conductor 14; the outer conductor 14 is
surrounded by a protective outer jacket 12, wherein the protective
outer jacket 12 has dielectric properties and serves as an
insulator. The center conductor 18 may be hollow or tubular, such
as a standard tubular center conductor associated with a standard
50 Ohm cable. Embodiments of the center conductor 18 may be smooth
walled, or may have multiple corrugations. The outer conductor 14
may extend a grounding path providing an electromagnetic shield
about the center conductor 18 of the coaxial cable 10. The outer
conductor 14 may be a rigid or semi-rigid outer conductor of the
coaxial cable 10 formed of conductive metallic material, and may be
corrugated, or otherwise grooved, or smooth walled. For instance,
the outer conductor 14 may be smooth walled, annularly ribbed,
spiral corrugated, or helical corrugated. The coaxial cable 10 may
be prepared by removing a portion of the protective outer jacket 12
so that a length of the outer conductor 14 may be exposed, and then
coring out a portion of the dielectric 16 to create a cavity 15 or
space between the outer conductor 14 (and potentially the jacket
12), and the center conductor 18. The protective outer jacket 12
can physically protect the various components of the coaxial cable
10 from damage that may result from exposure to dirt or moisture,
and from corrosion. Moreover, the protective outer jacket 12 may
serve in some measure to secure the various components of the
coaxial cable 10 in a contained cable design that protects the
cable 10 from damage related to movement during cable installation.
The outer conductor 14 can be comprised of conductive materials
suitable for carrying electromagnetic signals and/or providing an
electrical ground connection or electrical path connection. Various
embodiments of the outer conductor layer 14 may be employed to
screen unwanted noise. The dielectric 16 may be comprised of
materials suitable for electrical insulation. The protective outer
jacket 12 may also be comprised of materials suitable for
electrical insulation. It should be noted that the various
materials of which all the various components of the coaxial cable
10 should have some degree of elasticity allowing the cable 10 to
flex or bend in accordance with traditional broadband
communications standards, installation methods and/or equipment. It
should further be recognized that the radial thickness of the
coaxial cable 10, protective outer jacket 12, outer conductor 14,
interior dielectric 16, and/or center conductor 18 may vary based
upon generally recognized parameters corresponding to broadband
communication standards and/or equipment.
[0026] Referring back to FIG. 1, and with additional reference to
FIGS. 2-3B, embodiments of a center conductor engagement member 200
may include a resilient contact region 240 proximate the first end
201, the resilient contact region 240 configured to be compressed
when inserted into a hollow center conductor 18. Embodiments of the
resilient contact region 240 may include a first end 241, a second
end 242, an inner surface 243, and an outer surface 244. The
resilient contact region 240 may be slotted to facilitate
compression and/or deflection when surrounded by the center
conductor 18 in a second, closed position. A slotted configuration
of the resilient contact region may be effectuated by the presence
of one or more axial through-slots 246. Embodiments of the
resilient contact region 240 having one or more axial slots 246 may
include one or more resilient contact finger 245. For example,
embodiments of the center conductor engagement member 200 may
include a plurality of resilient contact fingers 245 proximate the
first end 201. Those having skill in the art should appreciate that
various slotted configurations may be employed to facilitate
compression and/or deflection of the resilient contact fingers 245.
The amount of slots 246, the length of the slots 246, and width of
the axial slots 246 may be increased or decreased to increase or
decrease the number and width of contact fingers 245, respectively,
which can have an impact on the deflection, stiffness, tunability,
machinability (e.g. thickness of fingers 245, length of slots 246,
width of slots 246, etc.), and damage resistance of the contact
fingers 245 when the center conductor 18 is inserted over the
resilient contact region 240 of the center conductor engagement
member 200, and during transport and assembly. For example, one or
more slots 246 may begin proximate the first end 241 of the
resilient contact region 240, but may not extend completely across
the resilient contact region 240 to the second end 242, while one
or more slots 246 may begin from the second end 242 and may not
extend completely across to the first end 241; this arrangement may
alternate around the resilient contact region 240. Further, the
resilient contact fingers 245 may extend from a body 230 of the
center conductor engagement member 200. Embodiments of the
resilient contact fingers 245, in particular, the second end 242 of
the resilient contact region 240 may be structurally integral with
the body portion 230. For example, the second end 242 of the
resilient contact region may be retained, secured, captured, etc.,
by the body 230 of the center conductor engagement member 200.
[0027] Moreover, the plurality of resilient contact fingers 245 may
arc from the body 230 of the center conductor engagement member 200
until retained by an insert 250. Embodiments of the resilient
contact region 240 may be curvilinear or substantially curvilinear
from the first end 241 to the second end 242. Embodiments of the
resilient contact region 240 may also be continuously curvilinear
or continuously substantially curvilinear from the second end 242
proximate the body portion 230 to an internal annular protrusion
247. Further, embodiments of the resilient contact region 240 may
have a slotted oblong-like or elliptical-like shape, wherein a
largest radial outer diameter of the resilient contact region 240
may occur at the vertex of the curve of the resilient contact
region 240. The substantially arced, curved, curvilinear, etc.,
shape of the resilient contact region 240 (and each of the
plurality of resilient contact fingers 245) may facilitate
compression and/or deflection of the resilient contact region 240,
when the center conductor 18 is in the second, closed position. The
substantially arced or curved resilient contact region 240 may also
assist the initial physical mating and timing of the mating of the
center conductor 18 and resilient contact region 240 because of the
gradual increase in radial diameter of the resilient contact region
240. The distal end of the resilient contact fingers 245 may
include an internal annular protrusion 247, wherein the distal end
of the resilient contact fingers 245 can coincide with the first
end 241 of the resilient contact region 240; an annular groove 249
may be located on the outer surface 203 proximate the location of
the internal annular protrusion 247. Embodiments of the internal
annular protrusion 247 may be a portion at the end of each
resilient contact finger 245 that extends or protrudes a distance
from the inner surface 203, 243 towards a central axis 5 of the
center conductor engagement member 200. The internal annular
protrusion 247 may be configured to cooperate with an annular
groove 257 of the insert 250. For instance, the internal annular
protrusion 247 may snap into the groove 257 of the insert 250 to
secure, retain, capture, etc., the first end 241 of the resilient
contact region 240 of the center conductor engagement member 200.
Thus, the resilient contact region 240 of the center conductor
engagement member 200 may be engageable with the insert 250; the
first end 241 of the resilient contact region may be securably
retained within the annular groove 257 of the insert 250, while the
second 242 may be integrally retained by the body portion 230.
[0028] Referring still to FIGS. 1-3B, embodiments of the center
conductor engagement member 200 may include an insert 250
configured to retain or capture a first end 241 of the resilient
contact region 240. Embodiments of the insert 250 may have a first
end 251 and a second end 252, and may be a generally annular member
having a generally axial opening therethrough. Moreover,
embodiments of the insert 250 may include an annular groove 257
configured to accept an internal annular protrusion 247 on the
resilient contact finger 245. The annular groove 257 may be sized
and dimensioned to receive the internal annular protrusion 247 of
the contact finger 245, and may be located between the first end
251 and the second end 252. However, the wall of the annular groove
257 proximate or otherwise near the second end 252 may be raised or
extend radially outward slightly more than the wall of the annular
groove 257 proximate or otherwise near the first end 251 of the
insert 250 for retention purposes. Embodiments of the insert 250
may be conductive, for example, comprised of a metal or a
combination of metal, or embodiments of the insert 250 may be
non-conductive, for example, comprised of a rubber or plastic, for
cost control. Moreover, an elastomeric band or rubber band may be
placed within the annular groove 257 of the insert 250 to adjust
the stiffness of the resilient contact region 240. Embodiments of
the insert 250 may be comprised of elastic rubber material(s)
instead of metal or plastic to reduce the stiffness of the
resilient contact region 240.
[0029] Embodiments of the annular groove 257 of the insert 250 may
prevent movement of the resilient contact fingers 245 in an axial
and/or radial direction that results in less than adequate return
contact force against the inner surface of the hollow center
conductor 18, when the resilient contact region 240 is compressed
as the hollow center conductor 18 passes over the resilient contact
region 240. For example, as the cable 10 is being inserted within
the connector 100, the center conductor is configured to mate with
the center conductor engagement member 200, as shown in FIG. 1.
Continued advancement of the cable 10 within the connector 100
mates the center conductor 18 and the center conductor engagement
member 200. During mating of the center conductor 18 and the center
conductor engagement member 200, the resilient contact region 240
of the center conductor engagement member 200 enters the hollow,
tubular opening of the center conductor 18. Because the largest
outer diameter of the resilient contact region 240 may be slightly
larger than the inner diameter of the hollow opening of the center
conductor 18, the center conductor 18 can exert a compressive force
onto the resilient contact region 240 to axially and/or radially
compress the resilient contact fingers 245. Thus, the resilient
contact fingers 245 may slightly move or flatten (e.g. in a
radially inward or axially expansive direction) once the center
conductor 18 is mated with the center conductor engagement member
200; however, the insert 250 may prevent movement of the resilient
contact fingers 245 that results in a less than adequate return
contact force against the inner surface of the hollow center
conductor 18. Specifically, the insert 250 may prevent, or hinder
over-compression, or excess deflection of the resilient contact
fingers 245 such that cantilever-type deflection of the resilient
contact fingers 245 is greatly minimized to ensure stiff, firm
physical contact against the inner surface of the center conductor
18, as shown in FIG. 5. In other words, only a slight deflection of
the resilient contact fingers 245, or significant non-movement of
the resilient contact fingers 245, is achieved because of the
insert 250 operably attached to the first end 241 of the resilient
contact region 240, wherein only a slight deflection can ensure a
firm return force exerted by the deflected resilient contact
fingers 245 against the center conductor 18 in the opposite
direction of the compressive force exerted by the center conductor
18 against the resilient contact region 240. The insert 250
operably attached to the resilient contact region 240 can provide
for stiffness of the resilient contact fingers 245 while also
ensuring adequate contact force with the hollow center conductor
18. Accordingly, the resilient contact region 240 of the center
conductor engagement member 200 may be secured, retained,
retainably secured, securably retained, captured, and the like, at
both the first end 241 and the second 242. The center conductor
engagement member 200 may then make good electrical contact on a
large diameter range.
[0030] FIG. 6 discloses a chart 900 showing the results of PIM
testing performed on the coaxial cable 10 that was terminated using
the example compression connector 100 having a center conductor
engagement member 200. The particular test used is known to those
having skill in the requisite art as the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Rotational Test. The PIM testing
that produced the results in the chart was also performed under
dynamic conditions with impulses and vibrations applied to the
example compression connector 100 during the testing. As disclosed
in the chart, the PIM levels of the example compression connector,
100 were measured on signals F1 UP and F2 DOWN to vary
significantly less across frequencies 1870-1910 MHz. Further, the
PIM levels of the example compression connector 100 remained well
below the minimum acceptable industry standard of -155 dBc. For
example, F1 UP achieved an intermodulation (IM) level of -158.2 dBc
at 1910 MHz, while F2 DOWN achieved an intermodulation (IM) level
of -159.7 dBc at 1910 MHz. These superior PIM levels of the example
compression connector 100 having a center conductor engagement
member 200 are due at least in part to the engagement of the center
conductor 18 by the center conductor engagement member 200 when the
connector 100 in the closed position, as described supra.
[0031] Compression connectors having PIM levels above this minimum
acceptable standard of -155 dBc result in interfering RF signals
that disrupt communication between sensitive receiver and
transmitter equipment on the tower and lower-powered cellular
devices in 4G systems. Advantageously, the relatively low PIM
levels achieved using the example compression connector 100 surpass
the minimum acceptable level of -155 dBc, thus reducing these
interfering RF signals. Accordingly, the example field-installable
compression connector 100 having a center conductor engagement
member 200 enables coaxial cable technicians to perform
terminations of coaxial cable in the field that have sufficiently
low levels of PIM to enable reliable 4G wireless communication.
Advantageously, the example field-installable compression connector
100 having a center conductor engagement member 200 exhibits
impedance matching and PIM characteristics that match or exceed the
corresponding characteristics of less convenient factory-installed
soldered or welded connectors on pre-fabricated jumper cables.
Accordingly, embodiments of connector 100 may be a compression
connector, wherein the compression connector achieves an
intermodulation level below -155 dBc over a frequency of 1870 MHz
to 1910 MHz.
[0032] FIG. 7 discloses a chart 901, corresponding graphical
depictions, and associated data showing the results of "return
loss" testing and impedance testing performed on the coaxial cable
10 that was terminated using the example compression connector 100
having a center conductor engagement member 200. Return loss as
shown in FIG. 7 is expressed in -dB and reflects the ratio of the
power of the reflected signal vs. the power of the incident signal.
Thus, return loss, as measured, indicates how perfectly or
imperfectly the coaxial cable line is terminated. The particular
test was conducted according to the standards set by the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and known to those
having ordinary skill in the requisite art. The return loss testing
that produced the results in the chart was also performed under
dynamic conditions with impulses and vibrations applied to the
example compression connector 100 during the testing. As disclosed
in the graph of FIG. 7, Window 1 displays a graph of the measured
return loss over frequencies ranging from 14.925 MHz to 3,000 GHz.
Window 1 also discloses a graduated limit 400 that graduates
depending on a frequency range. The return loss at a specific
frequency should not be less than the graduated limit 400 set for
the frequency range. As disclosed in FIG. 7, the chart lists four
markers (4, 1, 2, 3--left to right) that denote the measured ratio
of the return loss at a specific frequency. As depicted in FIG. 7,
at 14.025 MHz (marker 4; the start) the return loss measured -43.66
dB, and over the range the frequency range between 14.025 MHz and
869.07 MHz, the return loss measured less than -45 dB, at 869.07
MHz (marker 1) the return loss measured -42.148 dB and over the
frequency range between 869.07 MHz and 1.014 GHZ the return loss
measured less than -45 dB. At 1.014 GHz (marker 2) the return loss
measured -42.209 dB and over the frequency range between 1.014 GHz
and 2.671 GHz the return loss measured less than -43.000 dB. At
2.671 GHz the return loss measured -42.520 dB. These superior
return loss measurements of the example compression connector 100
are due at least in part to the center conductor engagement member
200, as described supra.
[0033] Compression connectors having return loss greater than the
graduated limits associated with specific frequency ranges
indicated in FIG. 7 result in interfering RF signals that disrupt
communication between sensitive receiver and transmitter equipment;
for example the connectors on cell towers and lower-powered
cellular devices in 4G and 5G systems. Advantageously, the return
loss measurements achieved using the example compression connector
100 are well below the graduated limits associated with specific
frequency ranges indicated in FIG. 7, thus reducing these
interfering RF signals. Accordingly, the example field-installable
compression connector 100 enables coaxial cable technicians to
perform terminations of coaxial cable in the field that have
advantageous ratios of return loss to enable reliable 4G and 5G
wireless communication. Advantageously, the example
field-installable compression connector 100 exhibits return loss
characteristics that match or exceed the corresponding
characteristics of less convenient factory-installed soldered or
welded connectors on pre-fabricated jumper cables. Accordingly,
embodiments of connector 100 may be a compression connector,
wherein the compression connector achieves return loss ratios below
acceptable levels of return loss set by the graduated limits
associated with specific frequency ranges indicated in FIG. 7.
[0034] As further depicted in FIG. 7, Window 2 graphically depicts
an impedance plot showing deviation of impedance. The two flag-like
designators mark the limits of the gate and are associated with the
condition of the test signal as it particularly passed through the
tested embodiment of the connector 100. It is notable that the
deviation of the impedance within the gate section is minimal, as
shown by the fairly flat deviation line running with only marginal
variance above and below the zero-point (0.00). This minimal
deviation depicted in Window 2 of FIG. 8 indicates that the
performance of the connector 100 is not significantly impaired or
burdened by substantial impedance problems, even while the signal
travels through the connector along a right-angle path. Hence, the
data and graphical depictions of the charts shown in FIG. 7 work to
validate the functional performance of the connector 100, in having
minimal impedance deviation, acceptable return loss levels, and
minimized signal impact associated with passive
intermodulation.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, a method of engaging a center
conductor 18 of a coaxial cable 10 may include the steps of
disposing a center conductor engagement member 200 within a coaxial
cable connector 100, wherein the center conductor engagement member
200 includes a resilient contact region 240 having a first end 241
and a second end 242, the resilient contact region 240 being
substantially curvilinear from the first end 241 to the second end
242, wherein the second end 242 of the resilient contact region 240
is secured by a body portion 230, and an insert 250 engageable with
the second end 242 of the resilient contact region 240 to retain
the second end 242 of the resilient contact region 240, and mating
a center conductor 18 of a coaxial cable 10 with the center
conductor engagement member 200, wherein the center conductor
engagement member 200 is configured to be inserted within the
center conductor 18.
[0036] While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with
the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of
the present disclosure as set forth above are intended to be
illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as required
by the following claims. The claims provide the scope of the
coverage of the invention and should not be limited to the specific
examples provided herein.
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